CHAPTER 44: CHAPTER 44: DARK TIDE (CROSSED OUT) FAIRY IMMORTAL CLUBBING!

"Number Three of the Earth Character."

"Here."

"Heaven Character Number Two."

"Got it."

In a corner of the large hall, shrouded in black cloth and amidst billows of white smoke, Wu Wang and Ji Mo were fully engrossed in their task. They were clad in protective suits sewn from animal hides and wore sunglasses fashioned from precious ink crystals.

Wu Wang was clearly in the lead, with Ji Mo beside him continuously passing over various ’Sealed Magic Treasures,’ his demeanor equally focused.

Beside them, Ling Xiaolan was enveloped in layers upon layers of Mana. She occasionally waved a handkerchief with Qi to wipe the sweat from Wu Wang’s and Ji Mo’s faces, preventing it from dripping.

The bamboo basket at their side was already overflowing with used handkerchiefs.

"Brother Xiong," Ji Mo asked with some concern, "will it explode this time?"

"It won’t. Trust me."

Wu Wang murmured softly, his eyes narrowing slightly as the hand holding the tool grew even steadier.

Sometimes, that’s just how it is. Someone has to step forward to lead and take responsibility for everything. As a man, one must have this awareness and sense of duty. You cannot retreat; you cannot shrink back. The difference between a hero and a coward often lies in a single thought...

"It’s done!"

Ling Xiaolan and Ji Mo were instantly invigorated and quickly gathered around. Wu Wang grinned and picked up the metal cylinder, wide at the top and narrow at the bottom.

"Just pour in clean water, activate the Formation here, and you can enjoy the joyous Five Elements Spirit Light self-heating hot pot anytime, anywhere!"

Ling Xiaolan’s and Ji Mo’s eyes immediately gleamed.

With a grand gesture, Wu Wang led the trio to a corner with seats. Ling Xiaolan sat suspended in mid-air, while Ji Mo and Wu Wang took their places on stools. They added the special base ingredients, Ji Mo added water, Ling Xiaolan added vegetables, and Wu Wang casually chilled a bottle of Star God Brand Cultivator’s Joyful Water.

Soon, steamy vapor billowed as dish after dish was immersed in the pot. Ling Xiaolan blinked gently, then was the first to scoop up some vegetables, cautiously nibbling at them.

"How does it taste?" Ji Mo whispered.

Ling Xiaolan blinked softly, covering her mouth and humming in affirmation.

The two men quickly rolled up their sleeves and began to dip and eat meat. The scene was lively for a moment, but Ling Xiaolan soon had to bow out of the feast.

Wu Wang mumbled indistinctly, "I’ve already solved the problem of a stable, adjustable heat supply. I’ll craft a special set of tableware for the Fairy Immortal later!"

Ling Xiaolan immediately smiled, her eyes crinkling, as she cast a smug glance at Ji Mo.

Ji Mo: ...

Why is her competitive spirit so strong?

"Master Xiong! Master Xiong!"

A clamor arose from outside the hall. The legitimate State Preceptor, glorious in both beauty and bearing, rushed over, lifting a corner of the black cloth and calling out excitedly to the three who were all looking towards her, "I heard it! I just heard it!"

At first, Wu Wang didn’t react. Then, as a thought struck him, he picked up his bowl and dashed out, spreading his Star Wings to fly close to the ground, straight past the State Preceptor.

Ji Mo exclaimed, "Heard what?"

"The voice of Her Majesty the former Queen! I just heard it with Divine Thought!"

CLANG! Several sounds rang out as Ji Mo, flipping tables and chairs in his haste, dashed after Wu Wang’s retreating figure.

By the time Ji Mo arrived, the base of the Goddess statue was already crowded. Wu Wang stood at the foot of the statue, his forehead shimmering with a purple crescent, his hand continuously clenching and unclenching into a fist.

Ji Mo heard it too...

Like a whisper on the wind, his Spiritual Sense caught that faint wave of Divine Thought, and a familiar voice echoed in his heart:

"...I’m doing well here. It’s like I’ve entered a small garden filled with flowers that expands a bit every day.

"The crown’s pressure on me is lessening; now, I have the strength to project my Divine Thoughts outward.

"Thank you. Thank you, everyone, for everything you’ve done for me. I can feel it all. Thank you..."

"HEY!"

Ji Mo clenched his fist and pumped it forward, his excitement overflowing. The figurative stone weighing on his heart had largely lifted.

Thirty-six days. Only thirty-six days!

Wu Wang turned around and bellowed, "Priests! Summon a few Priests with strong Divine Thoughts and relay Her Majesty’s words to everyone! Be mindful to keep this news under wraps; it absolutely must not spread beyond the palace gates!"

Immediately, cheers erupted. Martial Artists and Priests were mostly hugging and jumping for joy. The State Preceptor, who had just arrived, couldn’t help but tear up. She walked over to Ji Mo’s side and gently supported his arm.

Ji Mo shuddered all over but did not resist too much.

Queen Jiaye’s telepathic message had truly relieved Wu Wang.

At least, his chosen path had not been mistaken. Amassing thoughts to forge a God was indeed a feasible method!

And they did not need to wait for the Queen to amass her Divinity and officially become a Divine Spirit—that day might be too far off.

They just needed to confirm that this method was feasible. Then, Women’s Country would no longer need sacrificial victims, nor would anyone else be harmed because of it.

That day, Wu Wang accompanied Ji Mo as he got roaring drunk; well, to be accurate, Ji Mo was the one who got roaring drunk.

It was evident that after his trip to Women’s Country, Ji Mo had become significantly more composed, less impulsive, and somewhat more mature.

Wu Wang actually felt quite... regretful for him.

After all, for a scion from a prominent family like Ji Mo, being too deep and reserved was less lively than being a bit more carefree and reckless.

Once Ji Mo sobered up, Wu Wang summoned the current decision-makers of Women’s Country. This group included not only the original team but also a young girl who bore some resemblance to Jiaye.

This was the new King, Jiaye’s previously hidden younger sister, who evidently was not yet accustomed to the responsibilities of a monarch. Although she sat in the seat of honor, she was very restrained.

"The issue now is how to concentrate the Power of Faith from the entire territory of Women’s Country to the palace!"

Wu Wang gestured with his hands, forming a circle. "A grand Formation. We need a grand Formation, as well as a Magic Treasure to gather the Power of Faith. Everyone, please share your thoughts. Do you have any ideas?"

True Immortal Xu Mu said, "I can attempt the Formation. Gathering the Power of Faith should share many similarities with gathering Spiritual Energy."

Ji Mo silently put away the Formation design he had spent several days and nights preparing.

Ling Xiaolan said, "Friend Xiong has identified some precious materials sensitive to the Power of Faith. I wonder if the materials currently available in Women’s Country could be used by us."

Wu Wang replied, "Some time ago, I instructed several Generals to take my personal letters to the Northern Wilderness to procure these precious materials, but this will take some time.

"I will now make a sample for you to follow, which you can then gradually set up.

"Such a Formation and Magic Treasure for amassing faith must be kept as a top secret of Women’s Country; otherwise, it will bring you much trouble."

The State Preceptor hastily said, "Master Xiong, rest assured. Women’s Country has its Barriers, so sealing off news from the outside won’t be an issue."

Wu Wang looked towards Xu Mu, who was slightly contemplative.

Xu Mu said, "We cannot keep this matter from the Four Seas Pavilion, but we can exert pressure on them through the Ji Family so they won’t covet Women’s Country."

"That won’t be a problem!" Ji Mo asserted. "My second aunt and third aunt are already en route. I will inform them once they arrive."

Wu Wang asked, "When can the experts from both families arrive?"

"About half a month more," Ling Xiaolan said softly, "as they need to detour around Central Mountain by traveling from the West Sea. The message should have just been relayed back."

Wu Wang nodded with a smile, then gestured to the new Queen, passing the initiative of the conversation to her.

The valuable experience gained in the Women’s Country of the Western Wilderness would be an important asset for the future rise of the Star God Cult.

This wasn’t just relying on the Queen; it was a win-win situation, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Wu Wang’s mood became even more pleasant.

「And so, another half a month passed.」

Why do I feel that my Cultivation insights have been... diminishing lately?

In the capital of Women’s Country, atop the flying eaves of a tall pavilion, True Immortal Xu Mu of the Human Domain stood with his hands clasped behind his back, staring at the Goddess statue in the palace, which was covered with cloth.

The statue was undergoing renovation. Under the supervision of the chief designer—Divine Envoy of the Northern Wilderness and Honorary State Preceptor of Women’s Country, Xiong Ba—Queen Jiaye’s statue was in its third major phase of reconstruction.

Xu Mu pondered thoughtfully, sensing his insights from Cultivation.

Strange. Why have the few flashes of inspiration I remembered before become blurred?

Was it because he had been spending too much leisure time with Friend Xiong lately?

Xu Mu raised his hand to his forehead and took a gentle breath. He was of advanced age now, yet he had seemingly rediscovered the joy he felt when he first began his Cultivation apprenticeship.

Every day involved drinking, chatting, playing chess, and listening to music. Life was carefree, so why worry about homesickness?

It’s just that...

Xu Mu sighed lightly, feeling that a cultivator like him should not lead such an idle life.

"Xu Mu, oh Xu Mu, you still aspire to protect the Human race and attain the Heavenly Immortal realm. How can you languish here in such decline?"

A shout came from the palace gate: "Elder Xu Mu—everything is ready over there!"

Xu Mu immediately rallied his spirits, suppressed his stray thoughts, raised his hand, channeled his energy, and pushed forward with a palm strike. A fierce wind arose, precisely yet gently blowing the large cloth covering the statue into the sky.

A group of Martial Artists responsible for retrieving the cloth immediately started running after it.

Bathed in sunlight, the huge jade statue reflected layers of halos. The enormous Treasure Wheel behind the Goddess statue shone brightly.

This appeared to be a Treasure Wheel, and indeed it was. However, its internal structure was quite intricate, housing hundreds of special Spirit Arrays.

Xu Mu nodded in satisfaction.

His expertise in Formations, Friend Xiong’s unfettered creativity, and Ji Mo’s occasional minor meddling had perfectly fused in this grand array.

It looked aesthetically pleasing.

Suddenly, Xu Mu’s keen ears twitched as he heard a call.

He frowned slightly, and his Spiritual Sense caught a fleeting figure in a corner of the royal city. He muttered, "Troublesome," and with hands clasped behind his back, rode the clouds away.

Before long, in a secluded courtyard, Xu Mu frowned at the three figures before him, forcing a sour smile.

They consisted of two men and one woman: a middle-aged male cultivator wearing Battle Armor, an elderly man with white hair, and a woman in a fitted black dress wearing a veil.

The armored male cultivator had the highest cultivation level among the trio, close to Xu Mu’s. The elderly man was next, and the woman in black was the weakest. She seemed to be a newcomer to the Immortal Realm, still struggling to restrain her radiating Immortal Light.

Xu Mu said with a smile, "What matter brings the three of you to me? I recall having already submitted my resignation."

"Steward Xu Mu," the leading male cultivator said solemnly, "we are here under orders to inquire why Ji Mo withdrew from the trial."

"His Dao Heart collapsed; he felt he couldn’t bear the pressure of the trial."

Xu Mu chuckled. "Such things have happened before. If he wants to back out, then he can. Surely I can’t force him to do something against his will."

"Does Steward Xu Mu know..."

"Address me as Friend Xu," Xu Mu reminded them. "I am no longer part of the Four Seas Pavilion."

"Are you aware, sir, that Ji Mo was a promising candidate favored by the Pavilion Master?"

"What can be done if he himself wishes to withdraw?" Xu Mu said. "If the Four Seas Pavilion is dissatisfied, they can directly approach the Ji Family. I, a mere True Immortal, cannot bear the Four Seas Pavilion’s reproach."

"Never mind then." The male cultivator cupped his hands. "Regarding Ji Mo’s matter, I will report truthfully to my superiors. There is one more thing I’d like to ask you, Friend Xu."

"About Women’s Country’s affairs?"

"Precisely." This person continued, "Women’s Country seems to be attempting to create a God through collective faith. According to our information, they appear to have succeeded."

"Yes," Xu Mu replied. "Does the Four Seas Pavilion forbid it?"

"It’s not forbidden. The Human Domain has attempted to create Gods through collective faith before, but the results weren’t significant. We now simply wish to understand this method for future contingencies." The middle-aged cultivator spoke in a low voice, "Mr. Xu, could you possibly help us invite that Divine Envoy Xiong?"

Xu Mu couldn’t help but fall silent. He then said seriously, "I must first remind you all that the Northern Wilderness is where the Human race is strongest outside the Human Domain. It is also the source for thirty percent of the Human Domain’s artifact refinement materials.

"This Divine Envoy Xiong’s mother, though she only has a few hundred years of lifespan, possesses formidable strength and is not to be trifled with."

"We just want to invite Divine Envoy Xiong to the Four Seas Pavilion to offer guidance on the method of creating a God through collective faith," the old man said with a smile. "The Human race is all one family; Divine Envoy Xiong will surely not refuse."

Xu Mu: ...

He sighed softly and said in a low voice, In recent centuries, why has the Four Seas Pavilion become so unfamiliar to me?

"If you wish to invite him, do so yourselves. As long as you are courteous and treat him with respect, Friend Xiong should be willing to share his experience with you. He holds the term ’Human race’ in high regard."

With that, Xu Mu cupped his hands, took two steps back, and ascended on a cloud.

The woman in black beside them took half a step forward but was stopped by a large hand extending from the side.

"Do not be disrespectful to Mr. Xu."

Xu Mu smiled faintly, his figure drifting back to the palace. Yet he inwardly pondered how he should warn Wu Wang later.

That night, a giant Lotus Platform rose from the borders of Women’s Country, speeding like lightning until it hovered above the capital.

Ji Mo, who had dressed up specially for the occasion, turned to the dozens of figures behind him, offered a Daoist salute, and said with a smile, "Elders of the Xuan Nu Sect, Second Aunt, Third Aunt, this is the capital city. Fairy Ling and Friend Xiong are in the palace, likely preparing for the victory feast. Later, I will lead you all there. It will be a pleasant surprise for Fairy Ling. I truly can’t wait to introduce you to this Young Master of the Northern Wilderness. He is truly..."

Behind Ji Mo, a beautiful middle-aged woman chuckled softly. "Alright, alright, you’ve been praising him all the way here. Second Aunt knows it’s rare for you to make such a close friend. But no one is perfect, and praising him so excessively might not be beneficial for your dear friend."

"Hehe," Ji Mo laughed awkwardly.

The words "close friend"... they felt truly comforting.

He steered the Lotus Platform, a Magic Treasure, closer to the grand Formation outside the palace. The Formation opened automatically, and the guards patrolling the palace walls bowed their heads in salute.

Most of the dozens of figures behind Ji Mo were women. Only the group of men in Battle Armor at the very rear had relatively lower cultivation levels.

The men of the Ji Family mostly guarded the frontiers and couldn’t traverse mountains and rivers to aid Women’s Country.

And the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect did not accept male Disciples at all.

Among the reinforcements who arrived, two white-haired elderly female Daoists possessed the highest cultivation. A faint, serene aura surrounded them, their inherent dignity easily concealed. Their immortal bodies exuded an elegant charm; they must have reached the Heavenly Immortal Realm.

They were two Elders of the Tianyan Xuan Nu Sect. Having received the Saintess’s call for help, they had rushed here immediately. They were also immensely curious about this Friend Xiong, whom Ji Mo described as having ’turned the world upside down.’

As they approached the great hall, which was veiled by a dark curtain, a series of strong, rhythmic drumbeats suddenly sounded, interspersed with gongs, three-stringed lutes, and other instruments.

Ji Mo excitedly said, "Everyone, listen! This is music composed by Friend Xiong. Isn’t it refreshing and unique?"

The Fairy Immortals nodded with smiles. After landing, they all moved forward together. Ji Mo, with a grand wave of his hand, pulled down the dark curtain and turned to face the hall... inside...

"EH?"

A large, orb-like Magic Treasure lamp flashed chaotically in the hall. The new Queen of Women’s Country, along with various ministers and Generals, were dancing haphazardly. A strong scent of wine assailed their nostrils.

In a corner, on a small raised platform, Ling Xiaolan—her veil removed—was jumping around, enveloped in Mana, a happy smile on her lips. She continuously struck a bronze gong beside her, shouting, "Fellow Daoists! Today we celebrate! Let’s get wild!"

Ji Mo gaped, then looked towards another corner where Wu Wang sat elegantly on a soft couch, drinking wine.

Ah, this...

The lips of the two Heavenly Immortal Elders trembled. One stamped her foot and shouted, "Xiaolan! What on earth are you doing!"

The other, however, squeezed her eyes shut, swayed, and collapsed backward, fainting on the spot.