CHAPTER 72: CHAPTER 71: COMPETING IN SPLENDOR!

"Fellow Daoist, I’d trouble you to verify the invitation."

On the Cloud Path, a courteous Golden Armor Immortal Soldier offered a gentle reminder. His Immortal Realm cultivation and remarkably refined appearance seemed to embody the profound principle: ’There are no unattractive cultivators in the practice of Immortal Dao.’

Wu Wang took out the invitation from his sleeve. The two Elders and two disciples behind him also wore slight smiles, creating an atmosphere of perfect amiability.

The Immortal Soldier eyed the invitation, hesitating slightly before glancing towards Elder Miao. He inadvertently found his gaze lingering, completely captivated. His expression froze for a moment, a rosy blush creeping up his cheeks.

"Ahem," the Grand Elder coughed pointedly.

The Immortal Soldier struggled to avert his gaze from Elder Miao’s face and apologized, somewhat bashfully, "My apologies, my apologies. It is my lack of cultivation and composure that has made me a laughingstock. Fellow Daoist, you are Sect Master Wuwangzi of the Annihilation Sect, and this is your sect’s Grand Elder. But then, why is there an Immortal among the three disciples who are supposed to be unascended? The decree from the Main Hall of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion states that each sect should send two leaders and three disciples who have not yet achieved immortality..."

Wu Wang smiled. "It’s simply because I, in my shallow cultivation and insufficient Dao, brought two Elders to avoid being ridiculed by my peers."

"That does make sense."

The Immortal Soldier bowed and returned the invitation, daring not to look at Elder Miao again.

"Sect Master Wuwang, please come inside. I apologize for my earlier rudeness."

After speaking, the Immortal Soldier stepped aside to clear the path. He, along with the surrounding Immortal Soldiers and passing cultivators, watched Miao Cuijiao’s retreating figure from afar.

However, those who could come here were no ordinary cultivators. None engaged in hushed whispers or used voice transmissions to discuss gossip, such as the "Ten Beauties of the Demon Path" or similar topics. They all gradually averted their gazes.

Their black cloud descended towards the palace complex on the mountaintop. All along the way, Immortal Soldiers guided them towards Jade Square, located in front of a large hall.

The Main Hall of Benevolent Emperor Pavilion was also built quite impressively. From afar, it resembled a celestial palace. Only up close could one truly appreciate the grandeur and magnificence of these structures. Golden pillars and silver bridges were everywhere, and intricately carved beams and painted rafters could be found at every turn. The corridors were flanked by landscapes that seemed like illusionary realms, and looking out from the railings revealed breathtaking rivers and mountains.

Adding to this were the Immortal Soldiers evenly distributed across the sky and the throngs of Immortals coming and going. Surely, even the Heavenly Emperor’s celestial abode in the Heaven Palace could not be more spectacular.

Wu Wang stood at the forefront of the black cloud, a faint smile playing on his lips.

The black cloak embroidered with the words ’Sect Master’ fluttered continuously. The ten flamboyantly designed storage rings on his hands glittered colorfully, and the thick jade chain around his neck drew sideways glances.

Senior, is this distinctive enough for our meeting?

The corners of Wu Wang’s mouth involuntarily curled up. With a grand wave of his hand, the five of them descended into the already crowded area before the hall.

What did it mean to be distinctive? What did it mean to draw attention? Today, he, Wu Wang, was determined to be the most dazzling Nascent Soul Daoist in the entire assembly!

Moments later, however, Wu Wang’s forehead was covered in dark lines. He couldn’t help but raise a hand to his brow and lower his head, as if a blinding light ahead made it difficult for him to look directly.

This... isn’t... how... Is this how ostentatious the younger generation in the Human Domain has become?

Although most cultivators were well-behaved, dressed in long robes and standing in orderly groups, there were also many eye-catching, ’lightbulb’-like figures in the crowd.

To the left! A young master, clad in snow-white robes with a face as handsome as jade, sat on a bamboo chair. Beside him, four Fairy Immortals, also in white and with identical faces, held up the corners of the bamboo chair with their delicate jade-like hands. Each of them stood upon a white cloud.

Petals rained down around them, and they were wreathed in Immortal Light. Two more Fairy Immortals stood by, one holding a sword and the other plum blossoms, while also displaying a small wooden placard bearing the man’s name and title.

Wu Wang was speechless. Has the five-person-per-group limit been completely ignored? How many slots did this fellow buy just to make such a grand entrance!

To the right! A silver-haired female cultivator in black robes stood serenely on the shoulders of two burly men. Her figure was striking, her face captivatingly beautiful. She wore a peacock-feather dress adorned with hundreds of glittering precious gems, her aura unreservedly displayed—clearly that of someone who had ascended to the Immortal Realm.

Next to her, another strong man held up a wooden sign that read, "Our Young Master is only fifteen this year."

Fifteen and already that tall?! Can they stop with the growth-enhancing elixirs for a moment!

With a sweep of his gaze, Wu Wang had already spotted numerous wooden signs, each followed by some ’prodigious youth’ or ’astonishing individual,’ dazzling the onlookers.

Examples included: "Began cultivation at three, formed a Golden Core at seven, reached the brink of Godhood at seventeen."

Or, "Creator of the Great Sun Heavenly Skill, steadily develops two new subclasses of spells each year."

And even, "Body cultivation genius, the likes of which are seen once in five thousand years; possessed the strength of a thousand jin at age six"...

The list went on and on, each more remarkable than the last.

Wu Wang clenched his teeth, steeled his resolve, and was about to pull out the glowing orb he once used to amuse Little Jingwei, intending a grand display of ’shamelessness.’ But just as he was about to act, his peripheral vision caught a simple Jade Tag inscribed with two words: "God Child."

Upon closer inspection, there was no child in sight—just two couples standing there.

Oh, the young woman’s abdomen was slightly protruding...

The young cultivator said, "My dear, it’s time for your Shen Nong Spirit-Enhancing Prenatal Elixir!"

The elderly couple behind them immediately sprang into action. They proficiently took out an elixir and handed it to the young woman, who tilted her head back and swallowed it. All four of them then sat down to meditate, helping her digest the Spirit Pill.

Cultivation starts from the embryo!

Wu Wang silently felt like poking his own eyes out, having largely given up on this contest of ostentation.

Unexpectedly, Miao Cuijiao leaned slightly towards him, her fragrant breath tickling his ear as she whispered softly,

"Average."

Wu Wang took half a step back, silently clutching his chest, his clenched fist trembling slightly.

The Grand Elder beside him, looking thoughtful, pulled a wooden board from his sleeve. He ran his finger across it, swiftly writing several large characters, and then handed it to Wu Wang.

"Sect Master, let’s display this one."

[Enlightenment in Dream, Seventh Grade with One Nap!]

Wu Wang’s mouth twitched uncontrollably. He snatched the wooden board and, with a burst of flame, incinerated it to ashes.

"Forget it. Being average is quite good."

With a long sigh, he drooped his shoulders and dejectedly led his group towards the venue entrance.

「At the same time, in a somewhat secluded hall within the palace complex, Shen Nong of the Shennong Family, now garbed in a majestic black robe, had long since dismissed his attendants. He watched the unfolding scene in a mirror before him, slapping the table and roaring with laughter.」

You brat, so you have days like this too!

"HAHAHA, HAHAHAHAHA!"

The laughter carried beyond the barrier he had set up, and the ministers outside exchanged thoughtful glances.

"Seeing so many young prodigies from our Human race, His Majesty must be thrilled."

"Hearing His Majesty’s laughter puts my heart greatly at ease. It seems those restless Beast Hordes on the frontier won’t cause too much trouble this time."

"His Majesty’s laughter is truly unique, always with nine ’ha’s’... Record Officer, note this down in His Majesty’s annals."

The upper echelons of the Human Domain all wore smiles, and the great hall was filled with jovial laughter.

「Moments later, they were in a vast hall with a layout that reminded Wu Wang of a ’stadium’ from his memories.」

Circles of low tables and soft cushions were neatly arranged, easily accommodating thousands for a communal meal. On the highest tier, outside the main hall, stood Immortal Soldiers from both Demonic Sects and Immortal Sects.

The five members of the Annihilation Sect were seated in a central position on the north side, each with a low table. They were flanked by a Demonic Sect on one side and an Immortal Sect on the other, neither of which they were familiar with. This was clearly a deliberate arrangement by the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion, symbolizing the harmonious convergence of Immortals and Demons.

Wu Wang looked towards the central round platform. There, two Fairy Immortals were playing the zither and flute. One Fairy Immortal, dressed in green, was surrounded by a clear aura; the other, in red, was accompanied by a vibrant radiance. It was a joint performance representing both the Immortal Dao and the Demon Path.

The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion officials who had organized this venue were, indeed, remarkably meticulous.

Why do I feel like I’ve been outmaneuvered by the Senior? Wu Wang mused, sensing that the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion’s sudden summons for the younger generation to gather here was laden with ulterior motives.

The talents of the Human Domain he had seen today were truly unexpected.

However, considering the Human Domain’s vast population and the prosperous era of cultivation pioneered by three generations of Human Emperors since ancient times, such an abundance of geniuses was actually quite reasonable.

Not to mention those whose talents were enhanced and spiritual power accumulated from birth, backed by the formidable support of four experts within a single family...

Who could possibly compete with that?

In contrast, I’m currently just the youngest Moon Ritual in the Northern Wilderness, relying solely on the insights I gained starting around seven or eight, plus a little help from my grandmother and mother.

That’s enough, that’s enough. What need is there for a self-propelled, dual-wheeled, flying immortal treasure?

It’s just that I’m not very conspicuous right now, so the surprise I can offer the Senior later... won’t be very significant.

"Eh?"

Wu Wang blinked, an idea suddenly striking him.

He turned his head to look at the Grand Elder. Only after the Grand Elder finished exchanging transmitted greetings with several distant elders—distinguished by their purple, green, and gray hair—did Wu Wang send his own inquiry:

"Grand Elder, where is Elder Mao?"

"He has been busy with matters at the Benevolent Emperor Pavilion and hasn’t returned to the Sect recently."

Wu Wang asked, puzzled, "He hasn’t sent any word at all?"

The Grand Elder asked with concern, "Indeed not. Sect Master, is something amiss?"

"It’s nothing," Wu Wang smiled, a glint flickering in his eyes as he suddenly understood something.

The Benevolent Emperor Pavilion’s sudden change of orders... the increase to five attendees per Sect... Elder Mao’s continued absence... and the ’Three Strategies to Stabilize the Seas’ I entrusted to him.

It seems Elder Mao must have attracted Senior Shen Nong’s attention. That old senior is best at winning people’s hearts... *cough*. I mean, that old senior excels at uniting the Human Domain. If he were to summon Elder Mao and bestow some rewards, given Elder Mao’s rather forthright nature, he’d likely be unable to lie when facing the spiritual pillar of the Human Domain.

I get it. My being the Sect Master of the Annihilation Sect can no longer offer the Senior any ’shock’ or ’surprise’.

That’s no fun at all.

A slight gloom settled in Wu Wang’s heart, but it quickly vanished.

Everything has its pros and cons. Although the element of ’shock’ is gone now, on further reflection, the Senior has had ample time to orchestrate how he’ll meet me in front of everyone.

I expect there will be some competition among the younger cultivators, or other ’programs.’ Of course, I can’t rule out the Senior deliberately trying to provoke or retaliate against me. I’m in a passive position now, so I can only respond to situations as they arise and see if there’s an opportunity for a decisive counterattack.

However, my main purpose for coming here—to ask about Little Jingwei’s condition—shouldn’t be too problematic. I’ll just wait.

It seems the Senior has won today’s round...

"Brother Xiong?"

A sudden voice transmission entered his ear. Wu Wang turned his head and couldn’t help but smile, waving his hand naturally.

He saw a group entering not far away. They were led by two white-haired, venerable-looking old women, followed by three female disciples in immortal-style gowns.

The aura of these two old women was elusive yet carried the gravitas of towering mountains, seemingly beyond the Heavenly Immortal realm.

Masters of such caliber rarely walk the mortal world. Only the top ten major Sects might have a Transcendent Immortal overseeing internal affairs, rather than allowing such experts to focus solely on their cultivation.

None of this actually mattered.

At that moment, most eyes within the hall had settled on a female disciple behind the two old crones.

She was tall and slender, her face delicately veiled, which only added an ethereal beauty and a sense of mystique to her features.

Coupled with her snow-like skin, a waist so slender it seemed one could encircle it with one hand, and a cool, icy demeanor, this female disciple stood out among the many young talents of the Human Domain—truly exceptional in her own right.

At this moment, her eyes, shining with a gentle light, found Wu Wang in the northern stands. She smiled and nodded in response to his wave.

But then, her gaze fell upon the figures to Wu Wang’s left and right—the formidable demon with blood-red hair, and the woman exuding the captivating charm of a Demonic Cultivator...

Ling Xiaolan spoke up, "Ancestral Master, may I go and sit with a good friend?"

One of the old crones smiled and nodded, saying, "Go on, no need for formalities."

"Thank you, Ancestral Master." Ling Xiaolan bowed gracefully. Then, enveloped in a faint white glow, she departed from her sect’s contingent and walked towards the central area of the northern stands.

Wu Wang stood up. Amidst the somewhat astonished gazes of the Grand Elder and Elder Miao, he cupped his hands in greeting to Ling Xiaolan and sent a voice transmission: "I thought you might come, but I didn’t expect you to seek me out here."

"Brother Xiong, you..." Concern flickered in Ling Xiaolan’s eyes as she sent a message back, "How did you end up here?"

"That’s a long story. Let’s sit down first; we’re too conspicuous standing like this."

"Alright." Ling Xiaolan agreed. She nodded slightly to the Grand Elder, the Blood Hand Demon Lord, who was beside Wu Wang. Then, she casually picked up a rush cushion, placed it behind Wu Wang’s low table, spread a fine cloth over it, and settled down gracefully.

Wu Wang and Ling Xiaolan were oblivious to any impropriety in their actions, but to the onlookers...

"What’s with that Golden Core Realm Sect Master of the Annihilation Sect? How can he be sitting at the same table as Fairy Ling?"

"Didn’t you see the way they looked at each other just now? Full of unspoken words and a divine light in their eyes! There’s definitely something going on!"

"No way! The Saintess of the Xuan Nu Sect, ranked first on the ’Most Desirable Cultivation Partner List (Female)’ for the past hundred years—the pure and noble Fairy Ling—has fallen for a young sect master from a Demonic Sect?"

Glances immediately converged on Wu Wang.

Wu Wang silently made sure his ten large storage rings were conspicuous, trying to make his smile appear as shallow as possible.

The original plan is proceeding smoothly! Fairy Ling’s arrival is a rather nice touch.

Suddenly, a soft chuckle came from nearby.

Elder Miao, who had been sitting demurely until now, lifted a hand to remove the jade hairpin from her hair. Her waterfall of black hair cascaded down, and her charm, as if previously sealed, skyrocketed.

She shifted, arranging her legs together and leaning gracefully against the low table, positioning herself beside Wu Wang. She offered him a faint, captivating smile.

With one smile, she exuded endless charm; with another, her beauty could overthrow cities.

"Sect Master," she purred, "why haven’t you introduced me to this renowned Fairy Ling? It seems your relationship with her is quite out of the ordinary, wouldn’t you say?"

The number of gazes fixed on their location instantly multiplied!

Wu Wang could already feel the nearly lethal stares of the male cultivators around them!

To his right, Ling Xiaolan, the picturesque Fairy Immortal and smiling Saintess, was bathed in an aura like cool moonlight, making her seem like an ethereal being from the Outer Sky, existing only in paintings.

To his left, Elder Miao was now almost reclining against him, her enchanting face utterly captivating, and her slightly aggrieved expression was the most tantalizing.

Wu Wang could only maintain his composure, sitting upright. He sent a transmission to Ling Xiaolan, urging her to remain calm, and another to Elder Miao, warning her not to stir up more trouble.

In a certain grand hall, the Human Emperor, who was sipping his tea, abruptly stopped. His teacup shattered with a POP. The chatting ministers quickly rose to their feet, bowing their heads in silence, not daring to speak.

"We’ll discuss the banquet later!" Shen Nong grumbled through clenched teeth. "Start the Trial of the Labyrinthine Illusion now! I’ll be waiting for them within the Illusionary Realm. Whoever manages to find me will be granted a fortuitous opportunity!"

The assembled high officials of the Human Domain responded in unison. When they looked up, the Human Emperor had already vanished, leaving them to exchange bewildered glances.