CHAPTER 315: CHAPTER 313: THOSE WHO RETREAT SHALL NOT LIVE!

"Brother, what’s the matter?"

Yun Zhongjun looked at Wu Wang, whose face was serene, and after waiting for an hour, he couldn’t help but speak up.

"Nothing," Wu Wang came back to his senses, slightly raised his eyebrows at Yun Zhongjun, and laughed, "I’ve just made a deal with His Majesty Shen Nong."

"A deal?"

Yun Zhongjun immediately became interested.

Wu Wang let out a small sigh and said, "I’ve exchanged the Divine Power that the Human Domain could gather over the next eight hundred years for the future of Heaven and Earth with the human race as the principal body."

Yun Zhongjun pondered for a while and laughed, "No matter how you look at it, we profit from this. If Heaven and Earth don’t take the human race as the principal body, that wouldn’t make sense either... after all, you’re from the human race."

"I thought Big Brother would have some higher insight."

Wu Wang couldn’t help but feel full of grievances.

"HAHAHAHA!"

Yun Zhongjun let out a few laughs but then immediately resumed his serious demeanor, saying to Wu Wang, "The human race has managed to reach this point in the confrontation with the Innate God faction through their own cultivation. As long as the human race seizes the opportunity presented by the shift of divine eras, they will inevitably grow again. Moreover, you have already accumulated such a profound reputation in the Human Domain. Making the human race the executive body under the order of the Heavenly Dao is actually the only viable path going forward. However... Shen Nong should be aware of this logic. Even if Shen Nong doesn’t know what we are up to, he should have such foresight. The resilience shown by the human race and the potential inherent within it is already very impressive."

"Exactly. I haven’t revealed any of my cards, and I don’t know if the senior will agree."

Wu Wang rested his chin in his hands and mused for a while, his fingers drawing circles in the air, surrounded by various colors of Immortal Light.

A moment later, he spoke, "The senior is more likely to agree. I think we should hold the second Heavenly Dao policy discussion, adapt to the current changes in the situation, and adjust our course accordingly."

"Good."

Yun Zhongjun nodded and snapped his fingers.

The clouds and mist spread from the crevice, and the mystical rhythm of Dao began to flow. Wu Wang felt a little dazed as his consciousness sank into the gleaming ripples of water before him.

Great marshes, lakes?

It was pointless to discuss the full scope of this body of water; this was merely an Illusionary Realm created by Yun Zhongjun.

A simple stone Temple stood not far ahead, with three stone chairs inside, looking rather empty.

"So, what do you say!"

Yun Zhongjun raised an eyebrow.

Wu Wang laughed, "Brother, your craftsmanship!"

As he spoke, three Divine Lights lit up simultaneously. He and Yun Zhongjun united with the ice-blue Divine Light coming from the depths of the clouds and mist and landed on the three chairs in the stone Temple.

Wu Wang sat in the middle, the base of his stone chair two feet thicker than those on the left and right.

The Heavenly Dao assembled, and Taiyi held a council.

The stone Temple was soon obscured by Divine Light and hidden in the profound abyss.

...

Shen Nong sat upon the clouds.

He watched the sky to the north, gazed upon the distant mountains beyond the long wall, as if with one look he could see Heaven Palace, see all those Temples.

He was now old.

The man who had once boasted of flattening the heavens eventually had his bold and frivolous younger self stopped by the endless resistance from here to the north.

Shen Nong’s gaze twinkled slightly, and once again Wu Wang’s recent words surfaced in his mind.

Eight hundred years of time;

All Divine Power not limited to the form of collective thought becoming a God.

Although it was just a simple sentence, Wu Wang had already divulged too much information to this senior.

The most superficial layer involved the corpses of Innate Gods killed in the Human Domain, from which Divine Power was extracted; Wu Wangzi claimed all of them.

The deeper layer concerned the timing of eight hundred years, as well as the method of acquiring Divine Power by concentrating thoughts into Gods.

Shen Nong certainly realized more than just this.

He sensed the confidence emanating from Wu Wang.

Wu Wang seemed to have awakened overnight, suddenly filled with anticipation for the future, and he’d devised a series of plans with the confidence to gradually achieve the future he wanted.

This sort of inner-born confidence brought Shen Nong both joy and worry.

Shen Nong was naturally unaware of the existence of the ’Heavenly Dao’, let alone comprehend how significantly the fact ’Yun Zhongjun not knowing he is Yun Zhongjun’ impacted Wu Wang.

At this moment, the Human Emperor of the Human Domain, who was quite fond of Wu Wang, couldn’t help but wonder:

Has this lad been swayed by someone?

But upon further thought.

Given the lad’s innate talent for beguiling others and his deep-seated skepticism of gods and ghosts, he was actually rather hard to hoodwink.

Otherwise, I would have long since taken him as my son-in-law; it wouldn’t be the case that my own beloved daughter lingers in the Northern Wilderness and won’t even return to care for her elderly father.

I’ll agree then; it’s not as if it’s a bad thing.

Shen Nong smiled, his eyes brimming with hope, and his hunched form straightened somewhat.

He had already sent his Divine Thought to Wu Wang.

"Agreed."

"You’ve agreed just like that?"

Wu Wang was slightly astonished.

As he was in a meeting with two core members of the Heavenly Dao, he never imagined that His Majesty Shen Nong would give a confirmed response before they even began discussing any matters of substance.

Shen Nong, however, said, "Though I have agreed to this matter, I still feel somewhat uneasy. I need to know how you plan to proceed."

Wu Wang: ...

Faced with the elder’s question, he found it difficult to respond on the spot.

It wasn’t as if he could say that his philosophy was more advanced than that of Emperor Shun and that he could establish a better order, hence his certainty of victory.

It is known that, from a macro perspective, historical development tends to advance toward a more sophisticated and civilized direction. However, there are always local instances where the barbaric conquer the civilized, and systems regress.

While this is a view of history and not directly related to the Great Wilderness, the principle remains the same.

To vie for dominion over Heaven and Earth, a set of ideologies alone is far from enough; these are mere "bonus points," not the "core elements."

Therefore, Wu Wang’s response was — exceptionally prudent.

He said, "I will soon produce a detailed plan and explain it to you in person, my respected elder."

"Oh?"

Shen Nong chuckled, "You didn’t just get carried away in the moment, did you?"

"My father-in-law should understand me," Wu Wang murmured earnestly, "please give me a deadline of half a month to one month."

"Good."

Shen Nong replied slowly, "If you had readily agreed, it would have been even more worrying. Will you also rush to join the battle at Central Mountain?"

Wu Wang said, "I wish to participate in the battle as an Immortal from the Human Domain."

"That won’t do," Shen Nong countered, "Emperor Shun has made his intentions to court you and your mother unmistakably clear. Your mere presence would trigger a series of reactions. If you wish to join the battle, then disguise yourself and act as a common Cultivator. Go and observe, go and experience. Only by experiencing the ferocity of living beings can you truly comprehend the Power of Living Beings. This is not a strength that can be encapsulated by one or two Great Dao. This should be beneficial to you."

Upon hearing this, Wu Wang pondered for a while before replying slowly, "Alright, I should reach the most critical point of the battle in about two or three days."

"Be very careful. Try not to be impulsive, yet don’t be afraid to be so," cautioned Shen Nong softly. "You’re still young; there’s no need to take on too much just yet. Young people should have drive. Since we’ve made a promise, you will handle the affairs after my passing. If you cause any trouble, I will help you."

Upon hearing this, Wu Wang felt an inexplicable sourness in his nose.

How long had it been.

How long had it been!

He had always been treated by outsiders as Shen Nong’s little cotton pants, as Shen Nong’s ’own son,’ constantly enjoying the highest regard from the Human Domain.

But in reality, he had never heard such a promise from the old man’s mouth.

Always about riddles and guessing games, a single sentence from him could have hundreds of meanings!

Today, finally...

"Senior, I’m hanging up."

"Hanging up?"

"Ah, it means ending the transmission," Wu Wang quietly sealed off the Transformation Qi in front of his Primordial Spirit, his spiritual mind returning to the Temple in the mysterious depths.

He looked up with a long sigh, sat in his chair, and both his mother and Yun Zhongjun at his side gave him a look of concern.

But Cang Xue was more concerned with Wu Wang himself, while Yun Zhongjun was more interested in the outcome of the negotiations.

"How did it go?"

"It’s done," Wu Wang grinned, "A preliminary alliance with the Human Domain has been reached."

Cang Xue asked, "But at what price? For instance, did Shen Nong ask you to devote your attention to one person, and so on?"

"Uh, he didn’t mention that."

Wu Wang felt somewhat helpless in the face of his mother’s questioning.

Yun Zhongjun asked, "What exactly did you agree to?"

"It’s just a preliminary intention; Senior Shen Nong needs me to come up with a detailed plan," Wu Wang said slowly, "I will be thinking in this direction next. Mother, Big Brother, your opinions are also very important."

Cang Xue smiled gently, speaking softly, "Ba’er, you’re in charge here."

Yun Zhongjun also said, "To sum it up, what we want is the abundant Power of Living Beings from the Human Domain, to shape Gods from thoughts, to gather enough Divine Power in a short time, to confront Heaven Palace head-on. There’s nothing new about that."

"No, there will definitely be something new."

Wu Wang hummed softly, already having some ideas in mind.

"I promised Senior Shen Nong to take a walk in the center of the battle between the Human Domain and Heaven Palace, to experience the intensity of the living beings."

Cang Xue couldn’t help but frown slightly, though she didn’t stop him.

Yun Zhongjun said, "When will you go? I’ll plan a route for you in advance and perform some deceptive tricks."

"I will set off immediately," Wu Wang responded, "I’m not going to join the battle; Senior Shen Nong also told me to stay hidden to avoid disrupting the battle situation."

Cang Xue spoke softly, "It’s good to listen to your senior’s advice."

Wu Wang smiled and said nothing, while Yun Zhongjun also showed a trace of amusement.

It wasn’t the time for the Ice God to scold the Human Domain.

Wu Wang did not delay further. After concluding the Heavenly Dao council, he dashed toward the east side of Central Mountain.

Along the way, the roaring snake performed perfectly as a mount, continuously making short-range teleportations, completing in half a day the journey that would’ve taken Wu Wang half a month on foot.

Yun Zhongjun also escorted Wu Wang, transforming into a wisp of cloud that wove around him. Due to Yun Zhongjun’s presence, the slightest stir of wind or grass, or any change in aura within tens of thousands of miles, could not be hidden from Wu Wang.

Inevitably, Wu Wang suddenly had the feeling... a feeling... of storming Central Mountain with cheats all over him.

I wonder if elder brother Xing Tian is part of the battle now.

Although Wu Wang thought about recruiting Xing Tian as an informal member of their Heavenly Dao organization, when considering Xing Tian’s temperament and the current need for the organization to remain patient and restrained, he had to dismiss the idea.

Let’s wait until elder brother Xing Tian grows more mature and stable. With his head still on, he’s ultimately a bit... much.

Just as Wu Wang was quickly approaching the Human-God battle zone...

「In the Northern Region of the Human Domain, above the long wall of clouds.」

Shen Nong remained seated in the same spot, unmoved.

"Your Majesty!"

Clouds billowed behind him, and a ball of fire spontaneously condensed. Several figures rushed out of it and knelt on one knee in unison.

The leader, holding a long spear and sporting a ponytail, complemented the fiery forged Battle Armor with her tall figure. It was none other than Fire Plume, the Xia Official, who had encountered Wu Wang several times before.

Today, she had donned her strongest Battle Armor.

The armor adhered to the principles of "the less one wears, the higher the protection" and "the lower the hem, the more painful the blow." It made Fire Plume appear every inch an Immortal, awe-inspiring and formidable.

Fire Plume said in a firm voice, "A large number of strong Gods from Heaven Palace have suddenly appeared from the west, approaching several of our armies! The Imperial Guards request permission to go into battle!"

"Go."

Shen Nong spoke slowly, "Do not be greedy for achievements; focus on finding opportunities instead."

As he spoke, a cluster of orange flames appeared behind Shen Nong. The flames danced lightly, coalescing into the shadow of a divine bird that struck Fire Plume’s forehead.

"Your subordinate obeys!"

Fire Plume raised her head to look at Shen Nong, her gaze unexpectedly resolute.

A ball of flames erupted from her forehead, forming the seal of a divine bird.

The aura around Fire Plume gradually surged; the substance that seemed to flow beneath her skin no longer blood, but scorching magma.

「An hour later.」

「At Central Mountain, at the western end of the Human Domain battlefront.」

Figures flashed swiftly across the ground, moving from north to south, charging toward the continuous barrier of Immortal Light ahead.

These figures had obviously been exposed. The Human Domain army was calmly awaiting them, having constructed several immensely powerful formations.

In the clouds, dozens of figures appeared one after another.

A Goddess wearing a short skirt and draped in a white cape sat atop a triple-headed White Tiger, gazing at the remarkably solid formations of the Human Domain.

She had a delicate and petite frame, but the authority she exuded was fiercely unmatched. Consequently, not a single Innate God stood within a hundred yards of her. Yet, these several dozen Innate Gods deferred to her as the leader.

There was no choice. As a Five Elements God, an elder of Heaven Palace, and one of the top powerhouses between Heaven and Earth, she was at the very apex of the Great Wilderness’s divine hierarchy.

Five Elements God·Gold.

Seeing that the Human Domain was on guard, the Innate Gods naturally started having second thoughts about continuing the attack.

It was not that they were afraid of the Human Domain.

It was purely because they considered it ’slightly’ not worth risking their divine lives, gambling that there were no old Human Domain Transcendents present who would fight them to the death.

Suddenly, the Gold God atop the White Tiger chuckled, "The current generation of the Human Domain isn’t too shabby, is it?"

The Innate Gods were thinking about what to say in response when the Gold God added, "Looking around, there are beautiful living beings everywhere. Truly pleasant."

The Gods wisely chose to keep silent.

An Innate God surrounded by a faint blood light, at least thirty feet tall, came forward to salute and asked, "Great Gold God, since we have been exposed, shall we call off this covert attack?"

"Hmm, call off the covert attack," the Gold God replied calmly. With a casual reach, she grasped a large hammer, her eyes flooding with brilliant light as she called out resolutely, "Switch to a frontal assault! Everyone must put in effort today. I’ll lead the charge. If anyone falls behind, flees, fails to keep up, or deliberately holds back, I’ll slaughter them right here and use Divine Power to create a new God with their essence!"

All the Gods were taken aback.

The Gold God had already jumped onto the middle head of the White Tiger. Her cape billowed, and her entire body was now encased in Golden Armor.

With a CLICK, the helmet extended a faceplate to shield her petite face; the large hammer she held was already charged with Innate Golden Energy, pressing against Heaven and Earth and causing ripples to spread.

Behind the faceplate, the Gold God smiled grimly, her eyes full of excited light, and she licked her pale red lips with the tip of her tongue.

"Follow me forward! There is no life for those who retreat—charge!"